Three Tigers Named to Academic All-ACC Football Team

Jan. 30, 2003

William Henry, Rodney Thomas and Khaleed Vaughn were all named to the Academic All-ACC Football team on Thursday. The team was released by ACC Commissioner John Swofford. It was the second consecutive year Vaughn has been chosen the team, the first selection for Henry and Thomas. To be eligible, a player must have earned a 3.00 grade point average for the fall semester or have maintained a 3.00 cumulative average during his academic career.

Henry and Vaughn already have their undergraduate degrees from Clemson, but still are eligible for the 2003 season. Thomas will earn his degree in May. All three players were starters for Clemson last year.

Henry started 11 of Clemson’s 13 games this past season and averaged over 70 snaps per game. He played the complete game in nine of the 13 games, more than any other Clemson offensive player. He had a season high seven knockdown blocks in Clemson’s win over Georgia Tech.

Thomas had 167 tackles for the season, one of the top 10 figures in the nation. He had nine tackles for loss and two sacks in starting every game last year. The honorable mention All-ACC player on the field had a season high 19 tackles in the win over Duke. He had double figures in tackles in 10 of the 13 games. He led Clemson in tackles in five games.

Vaughn started all 13 games and had 60 tackles, including six tackles for loss and four sacks. He had 18 quarterback pressures, second on the Clemson team. He had a season high tying seven tackles in Clemson’s win over South Carolina.